h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hi I am Abi and I am the Deputy Community Editor and I am currently saving for my own equine pal who is fun to be with.

Do you teach just Western or English as well?

Hi Abi
We teach both. We do hunter / jumper and dressage. Western pleasure, trail and games. Personally I'm not into discipline so I look after the Barrel racing, pole bending etc. I don't know where you're from but places here will lease you a horse. We currently lease out 5 horses and they typically go for the cost of the board. Its an alternative to saving for ever to get your own.

Hi and welcome to H2G2. Not to butt in, but you mean lease a horse like leasing a car? Is that in the US or the UK or both?
~S

Both - that is what I am thinking of doing at the moment. I had a bad accident as a child and I am slowly getting my confidence back. The trouble is I find it very hard to relax my body especially my back, which is kinda hard cos it makes it very unpleasant for both me and the horse.

Any tips?

I also had a bad tobogganing accident several years ago in which I broke my back. Everything is more or less back to normal but the relaxing part is hard. I go to a chiropractor on a regular basis, about once every six weeks and he does wonders for me. I also play golf and the regular visits and excercise inbetween keep me loose. Something that helps beginners or people getting back into horseback riding is to do trail riding first. This is very relaxing, non structured with no pressure. If you try to start off with lessons I think the tension will make the horse uneasy.

that is a very astute point actually - adults tend to be taught to ride from a technical angle which can just end up confusing and frustrating them if they do not get it straight off.

Certainly I am far more confident about my ability not to fall off when out trailriding!

You're right. Adults are too uptight. We have kids that fall off and think nothing of it. In fact one kid falls on purpose to practice her landings in case she "really falls off". Go figure!

I spent my whole time trying not to fall off when I first came back to riding - including one time clambering back up the side of the horse! - but when I did fall off as soon as I hit the ground my first thought was 'that wasn't as bad as I thought it would be!'

In younger people, namely kids, the bones and tissues are a lot more resilient than they are in older people. This tends to instill that F word in us. FEAR! This of course leads to an endless loop. Good instruction will build confidence and help control that fear and eventually it'll be like riding a bike. It'll be natural. Sit deep and breath normally. We try to have students sing songs as they ride. This takes their mind off the riding and relaxes them. Also once a week we have everybody together and play childish games (that the adults enjoy) like tag or riding the course backwards. All designed to forget that you're riding and to give confidence. MAKE IT FUN.

I am currently looking for a new riding stables - the last one went over to doing pure livery. But I know what you mean - having an instructor you trust is important too.

Also ponies are nearer the ground so it is less far to fall!

'course. You can always ride a miniature and put rollerblades on your feet!

Now there is an idea

So what type of horses do you have?

Do you know of any places in Illinois that do the lease thing? My fiance' absolutely loves horses and working with them and I've been looking for a economical solution in that regards, until I can afford to buy her one of her own.
~S

To Aby, I have an Irish warmblood, two Quarterhorses, an Appaloosa, a Thoroughbred, a couple of grades and a delightful pony. The boarders we have have a similar mixture. Except for one flakey Arab.

To Ace, Sorry I can't help with specifics but if you contact any riding stable open to the public I'm sure they can steer you in the right direction. also check out the various web sites such as Michigan Horsefinder at www.horsefinderonline.com
Sorry, I don't know how to embed a URL yet.

Thanks muchly, that really does help. To embed a URL you type out the full address for an active link (ie http://www.h2g2.com/U133044)" >http://www.h2g2.com/U133044). You have to include the http:// otherwise it won't be active.
~S

Oh by the by, ACE is a title, not a part of my name. Assistant Community Editor, just like Abi is the Deputy Community Editor. Hmmm...DCE doesn't really have a ring to it, BUT we could always call you DeCoed Abi! *chuckles* Okay, maybe not, most guys have a thing for coeds and you'd be even more bombarded by people than you already are.
~S

Please accept my appologies for the faux pas. I learn something new every day!

No worries. That's a large part of what the ACE's are here for. To help new folks like yourself find your way around and to answer any questions that might pop up or help with any difficulties they stumble across. Glad I was able to be of service.
~S

You can tell I am a member of the inhouse editorial team because my name is in bold italics and I have a low user number.

Excuse my ignorance Shadow but what is a coed?

Icantthinkofacoolname - wow that is quite a selection you have there! Personally I love big horses. I am 5'2" high but feel most comfortable on horses around the 17 hand mark - do you think that they are too big for me?

I am going to look at a new stables this weekend so hopefully I will be able to get riding again soon.

It's been my experience that the larger horses tend to be the quietest. I think it comes from the herd instinct that being big, they can dominate by size alone and have nothing to prove. This isn't true if they are still youngsters though. And there are differences between breeds. A 3 year old Thoroughbred (hot blooded) will be a big flake and very much a baby. A 3 year old Clydesdale (cold blooded)will be stuck in the mud. A warmblood of the same age, which are normally a cross between a Thoroughbred and any of the draft horses, will be sane and an easy ride. The Irish Warmblood I have is 17 hands, 10 years old and is the easiest to ride. On the other hane a 7 year old thoroughbred we have is a real handful and we still have trouble controlling him over jumps. There is also the difference in sex. Mares being a lot quieter.
On the other hand, all ponies have attitude. Trying to prove themselves in the herd I guess. My pony can be a real mare. So to speak.
So..... big is better if it's the right horse.
Not to rule out a good bloodline of quarterhorses. A 2 year old quarterhorse can be a treat to ride. Normally willing but with a lot to learn.
Confused?